Diving operators Parasail has been awarded over $50,000 in compensation from an engineering firm which has been held responsible for poor workmanship in carrying out repairs on one of its vessels.

In December 2002, Parasail had given All Engineering Fiji Limited a six cylinder marine engine to replace and fit new valve seats.

Five weeks after the repair works, the valve seat failed and caused a catastrophic engine failure and Parasail could not use the vessel "Kalo" for several weeks and incurred losses as it was unable to take tourists out to Beachcomber and Treasure Island resorts for reef diving.

High Court Judge Justice Sosefo Inoke noted the expert evidence given in the trial that the failure of the valve seat was due to the use of a wrong type of steel not suitable to be used in the engine.

Judge Inoke awarded Parasail $38,582 in damages and $13,890 in interests.

All Engineering is also to pay an additional $3000 in court costs within 21 days.